How do you become self employed in Dubai?? | ExpatWoman.com
 

How do you become self employed in Dubai??

84
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 12:00

Ladies,

Do any of you work for yourself under your Husbands Visa? Is this even allowed? What did you have to do, to go about it...?

Or, do any of you work for yourself (from home) and have your own work visa/ license... ?

Basically, how do you go about working for yourself in Dubai? preferably not invloving a local sponsor who will milk you for everything you have got ;)
<em>edited by Carol2012 on 25/01/2012</em>

107
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2017 - 11:31
so If I just want to set up a website and charge people for advertisements what is the cheapest visa I can get?
2264
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 June 2017 - 08:51
Most of the freezones offer freelance visas and no you don't have to operate within the freezone, only TwoFour54 freezone in Abu Dhab i does that. Shop around and see which freezone offers the best thing for you. But bear in mind these visas are costly, around 20-25,ooo dhs a year, then you'll need to get your own health insurance +++++. I can recommend contacting Vital Corporate Solutions in JLT - they'll give you ALL the options, so you can make an informed decision.
1
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2017 - 01:13
I have my photography freelance license through tecom Media City it was the cheapest way I found available. Cheaper than Virtuzone. They have different freelance permits depending on what kind of business you want to set up. So check if your business idea is viable for a freelance permit. Good luck. Hi can you tell me how does this freelance visa work?? Don't we have to work within the free zone? And exactly how much does it cost for you? :) thank you for your answers
984
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 January 2012 - 15:54
Dubai chamber are doing a seminar - i posted a thread about it this morning.
48
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 January 2012 - 15:41
I have my photography freelance license through tecom Media City it was the cheapest way I found available. Cheaper than Virtuzone. They have different freelance permits depending on what kind of business you want to set up. So check if your business idea is viable for a freelance permit. Good luck.
84
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 20:00
Thanks girls, these are all avenues I can have a look in to... All in my head just now :) but now I have a start x
1280
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 16:32
Not defending Virtuzone, but RAK are probably just as bad - having been based at their centre for 3 yrs at the Fairmont! However have you ever found really good CS in Dubai!
48
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 16:18
Carol2012, you don't necessarily have to work in that free zone to gain a license from them. Virtuzone is the main one of these, I find their customer service appalling actually (!) but needs must and all that. RAK have a free trade zone now as well, think it operates much like Virtuzone. I am going to investigate it.
3376
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 13:19
Yes, you can work under your husband's visa. Two options: If a company wants to hire you they only need apply for the labor card (1,000dhs) and you give a letter of no objection from your spouse. Bonus: You can not be banned if you are fired. The other option is to get a freelance permit from a free zone. You need to have a bank account in your name and must do business under your name. 20,000dhs and depending on your area of expertise there is a free zone for you. Good luck Free zone business, I think, is the way to go. My husband owns one, and after I get tired of working 6 day weeks, no public holidays off, extra hours during ramadan (since I am not fasting and can obviously pick up the slack, right!?) and working nights and usually Fridays, I will be joining my husband as an employee, and managing the business. I got bored the first 5-6 months here when I was not working. Then I got this brilliant job (I was snowed) and I am finishing out my contract. I don't know about being milked...pulverized comes to mind??? So woth the freezone Visa/permit, this means you have to carry out your work with in this freezone? interesteing... thanks guys... food for thought! I wish I was able to answer more--His company is specifically related to gold/diamonds, so we are in the DMCC free zone. The office must be located in the towers designated for this line of work, (Au, Ag, Platinum) and the rules are quite specific. Maybe contact the lady suggested below? My experience is very specific to our field. :/
84
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 13:15
Yes, you can work under your husband's visa. Two options: If a company wants to hire you they only need apply for the labor card (1,000dhs) and you give a letter of no objection from your spouse. Bonus: You can not be banned if you are fired. The other option is to get a freelance permit from a free zone. You need to have a bank account in your name and must do business under your name. 20,000dhs and depending on your area of expertise there is a free zone for you. Good luck Free zone business, I think, is the way to go. My husband owns one, and after I get tired of working 6 day weeks, no public holidays off, extra hours during ramadan (since I am not fasting and can obviously pick up the slack, right!?) and working nights and usually Fridays, I will be joining my husband as an employee, and managing the business. I got bored the first 5-6 months here when I was not working. Then I got this brilliant job (I was snowed) and I am finishing out my contract. I don't know about being milked...pulverized comes to mind??? So with the freezone Visa/permit, this means you have to carry out your work with in this freezone? interesteing... thanks guys... food for thought! <em>edited by Carol2012 on 25/01/2012</em>
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 13:09
a local sponsor who will milk you for everything you have got ;) Wow, that is quite a statement. Many local sponsors have been left with huge debts etc when expats decide to skip town. The work of the local sponsor can be quite time consuming, assuming that they are doing all of the labour office/immigration work. Besides the above, I think it is rude of you to assume that a local sponsor will milk you for everything you have got. Mmm hmmm... AQ, she's right, all locals are money grubbers, right? or thieves of Ali Baba. I would hate to live in a country where I felt that way about the nationals, I'll tell you that much. What an unhappy life it would be. Anyway, DS will be home soon, need to get this afternoons session on how to rob expats ready... 'I don't think I said 'all locals' I said 'local sposors' and it was also meant in jest people... 'Anyway, DS will be home soon, need to get this afternoons session on how to rob expats ready' lol hahahaha I think it is sensitive day here.....:/
84
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 13:04
a local sponsor who will milk you for everything you have got ;) Wow, that is quite a statement. Many local sponsors have been left with huge debts etc when expats decide to skip town. The work of the local sponsor can be quite time consuming, assuming that they are doing all of the labour office/immigration work. Besides the above, I think it is rude of you to assume that a local sponsor will milk you for everything you have got. Mmm hmmm... AQ, she's right, all locals are money grubbers, right? or thieves of Ali Baba. I would hate to live in a country where I felt that way about the nationals, I'll tell you that much. What an unhappy life it would be. Anyway, DS will be home soon, need to get this afternoons session on how to rob expats ready... 'I don't think I said 'all locals' I said 'local sposors' and it was also meant in jest people... 'Anyway, DS will be home soon, need to get this afternoons session on how to rob expats ready' lol
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 12:53
a local sponsor who will milk you for everything you have got ;) Wow, that is quite a statement. Many local sponsors have been left with huge debts etc when expats decide to skip town. The work of the local sponsor can be quite time consuming, assuming that they are doing all of the labour office/immigration work. Besides the above, I think it is rude of you to assume that a local sponsor will milk you for everything you have got. Mmm hmmm... AQ, she's right, all locals are money grubbers, right? or thieves of Ali Baba. I would hate to live in a country where I felt that way about the nationals, I'll tell you that much. What an unhappy life it would be. Anyway, DS will be home soon, need to get this afternoons session on how to rob expats ready... lol my sponsors are not Emiratis. They are from a different nearby country and have been established here since 1994. they know exactly what they can do to push the limits and it is unfortunate they way they treat some of my co-workers. I am just sticking to my contract, honoring it, and working for myself. Because yes, it stinks to be unhappy with your employers! Can't change anyone, change what you're doing good luck Carol, I am sure you will find some way to do what you'd like. You seem quite resourceful :)
84
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 12:51
My friend Katya works for Virtuzone in JBR, and they help people set up business here in the UAE. Her office number is 04 457 8200 She could help answer any Q's you might have. Thank you :)
84
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 12:50
a local sponsor who will milk you for everything you have got ;) Wow, that is quite a statement. Many local sponsors have been left with huge debts etc when expats decide to skip town. The work of the local sponsor can be quite time consuming, assuming that they are doing all of the labour office/immigration work. Besides the above, I think it is rude of you to assume that a local sponsor will milk you for everything you have got. ........ it was a joke to avoid any extra costs....................................
1280
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 12:44
My friend Katya works for Virtuzone in JBR, and they help people set up business here in the UAE. Her office number is 04 457 8200 She could help answer any Q's you might have.
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 12:42
Yes, you can work under your husband's visa. Two options: If a company wants to hire you they only need apply for the labor card (1,000dhs) and you give a letter of no objection from your spouse. Bonus: You can not be banned if you are fired. The other option is to get a freelance permit from a free zone. You need to have a bank account in your name and must do business under your name. 20,000dhs and depending on your area of expertise there is a free zone for you. Good luck Free zone business, I think, is the way to go. My husband owns one, and after I get tired of working 6 day weeks, no public holidays off, extra hours during ramadan (since I am not fasting and can obviously pick up the slack, right!?) and working nights and usually Fridays, I will be joining my husband as an employee, and managing the business. I got bored the first 5-6 months here when I was not working. Then I got this brilliant job (I was snowed) and I am finishing out my contract. I don't know about being milked...pulverized comes to mind???
535
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 12:38
a local sponsor who will milk you for everything you have got ;) Wow, that is quite a statement. Many local sponsors have been left with huge debts etc when expats decide to skip town. The work of the local sponsor can be quite time consuming, assuming that they are doing all of the labour office/immigration work. Besides the above, I think it is rude of you to assume that a local sponsor will milk you for everything you have got.
 
 

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